Ruth 4:10

Authorized King James Version

Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַ֣ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
ר֣וּת
Moreover Ruth
ruth, a moabitess
#4
הַמֹּֽאֲבִיָּה֩
the Moabitess
a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab
#5
לְאִשָּׁ֗ה
the wife
a woman
#6
מַחְל֜וֹן
of Mahlon
machlon, an israelite
#7
קָנִ֧יתִי
have I purchased
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#8
לִ֣י
H0
#9
לְאִשָּׁ֗ה
the wife
a woman
#10
לְהָקִ֤ים
to raise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#11
שֵׁם
that the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#12
הַמֵּ֛ת
of the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
נַ֣חֲלָת֔וֹ
upon his inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#15
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
יִכָּרֵ֧ת
be not cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#17
שֵׁם
that the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#18
הַמֵּ֛ת
of the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#19
מֵעִ֥ם
from among
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#20
אֶחָ֖יו
his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#21
וּמִשַּׁ֣עַר
and from the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#22
מְקוֹמ֑וֹ
of his place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#23
עֵדִ֥ים
ye are witnesses
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#24
אַתֶּ֖ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#25
הַיּֽוֹם׃
this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ruth. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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